3 Smart Ways to Give to Charity Under New Tax Law
Starting in 2018, the tax deduction that giving to charity provides may be no longer be available to many people. That is, unless they change the way they give. Here are three strategies to help keep the deduction many count on.
The 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act makes significant changes to the tax code that will impact many taxpayers. While the tax act’s main beneficiaries are corporations (a single 21% corporate tax rate now applies), individuals may also benefit from lower rates and a higher standard deduction.
Perhaps the single biggest change for individuals is a $10,000 cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions. Taxpayers in states with high income taxes and high real estate property taxes — like New York, New Jersey and California — will be most affected. The Tax Policy Center estimates this change will reduce the number of taxpayers who itemize from 37 million to about 16 million. Capping the SALT deduction may have a ripple effect for some taxpayers — meaning their previously itemized deductions (including charitable deductions) won’t exceed the new standard deduction.
For taxpayers who have a history of making charitable contributions, making sure those contributions have maximum tax benefit may require some additional planning. Let’s review some strategies that could help minimize your tax bill while also helping to do good.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
A Chunky Way to Give to Charity
The first strategy involves “chunking” two years of charitable deductions into one tax year. By making charitable contributions in January and December of the same year (think of the December contribution as paying one month in advance), taxpayers may be able to claim itemized deductions in the year of their charitable gifting and take a standard deduction in the alternate year. This need not change one’s gifting level, merely the timing.
Another Helpful Way to Give: Donor Advised Funds
A slightly different method to take advantage of the “chunking” strategy is to again make multiple-year charitable gifts in one tax year, but this time via a donor advised fund (DAF). Contributors to DAFs receive a tax deduction in the year of contribution, while retaining control over the timing of the distribution to the charity of their choice. To illustrate, John & Mary Smith gift $25,000 of appreciated stock to a donor advised fund with their area community foundation in 2018 and deduct this charitable contribution on their 2018 tax return. John & Mary can make distributions from their DAF to support various charities of their choice, perhaps over the next several years.
Finally, You Can Tap Your IRA
Finally, another strategy only available for taxpayers over age 70½ and involves making a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) directly from one’s IRA. A QCD counts towards one’s required minimum distribution (RMD) but is not included in taxable income on the tax return. This strategy results in the taxpayer getting the benefit of the charitable contribution (through lower income) irrespective of whether they itemize deductions.
As with any tax strategy, one needs to consult a tax professional on whether certain strategies apply to their specific circumstance. The good news is with advance planning you can make the new tax law work to your benefit.
To continue reading this article
please register for free
This is different from signing in to your print subscription
Why am I seeing this? Find out more here
Mike Palmer has over 25 years of experience helping successful people make smart decisions about money. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. Mr. Palmer is a member of several professional organizations, including the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) and past member of the TIAA-CREF Board of Advisors.
-
When Is the Perfect Time to Buy Life Insurance?
This is not an easily answered question, other than 'when you’re the youngest and healthiest you can be.' Your occupation, habits and extracurricular activities will also affect your premium.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS Published
-
Should You Take the Survivor Option on Your Pension?
In some cases, you could buy life insurance instead and get a better deal in protecting your spouse. There are some things to keep in mind, though.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC® Published
-
When Is the Perfect Time to Buy Life Insurance?
This is not an easily answered question, other than 'when you’re the youngest and healthiest you can be.' Your occupation, habits and extracurricular activities will also affect your premium.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS Published
-
Should You Take the Survivor Option on Your Pension?
In some cases, you could buy life insurance instead and get a better deal in protecting your spouse. There are some things to keep in mind, though.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC® Published
-
Want to Hire a Remote Financial Adviser? What to Consider
Working with a financial adviser who isn’t local isn’t as big of a deal as it used to be, but there are still some things to think about before diving in.
By Kelli Kiemle, AIF® Published
-
Is Your Money 'Lazy'? Here’s How to Put It to Work
A fat savings account may feel good, but letting your money just sit there could cost you more than you realize.
By Jason “JB” Beckett Published
-
Guide to Military Education Benefits and Resources
Service members and their dependents have many opportunities to get help with education before, during and after they serve.
By Zach Mindel Published
-
As Florida Condo Prices Fall, What’s a Condo Seller to Do?
Mandates that associations have adequate reserve funds for maintenance and repairs mean older buildings could be retired to make way for new development.
By Joseph Hernandez Published
-
What Is a Lifestyle Analysis in Divorce?
Divorcing high-net-worth couples, especially those in a gray divorce, often require a lifestyle analysis to determine how much spousal support is appropriate.
By Andrew Hatherley, CDFA®, CRPC® Published
-
How (and Why) to Talk Money at Your Family Dinner Table
Believe it or not, your teenagers want to hear what you have to say about money and your family’s financial decisions. But be willing to listen, too.
By Aditi Javeri Gokhale Published